George Clooney attacks the White House, calling its language “childish and insulting” after Trump administration described his acting as “terrible” and a “war crime”
According to the CinemaDrame news agency, George Clooney responded to the White House after Stephen Cheung, the administration’s communications director, issued a statement criticizing the Oscar-winning actor over his remarks calling President Donald Trump responsible for a “war crime.”
Clooney had previously said that Trump committed a “war crime” by threatening to “wipe out an entire civilization” if a ceasefire agreement with Iran was not accepted — a deal that was ultimately reached.
In a statement issued in response to Clooney’s comments to The Independent, Stephen Cheung said: “The only person committing war crimes is George Clooney, for his terrible movies and horrible acting ability.”
Clooney then replied in a follow-up statement published by Variety, saying: “Families are losing loved ones. Children have been burned. The global economy is on the brink of crisis. This is a time for serious debate at the highest levels, not childish insults. I’ll start: by definition of the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute, a war crime occurs when there is an ‘intent to physically destroy a nation.’ What is the administration’s defense? [Aside from calling me a failed actor, something I happily accept given my performance in Batman & Robin].”
The Ocean’s Eleven star had previously shared his views on Trump’s conduct in wartime before an audience of around 3,000 high school students at an event hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
Speaking in the city of Cuneo, Italy, he said: “Some people say Donald Trump has no problem. But if someone says they want to end a civilization, that is a war crime. You can still support conservative views, but there must be a moral line, and it must not be crossed.”
George Clooney also expressed concern about the future of NATO. Trump, during his second presidential term, has repeatedly questioned the importance of the transatlantic alliance. Clooney’s concerns increased after several European countries declined to participate in military actions in Iran.
He said: “I am worried about NATO. This organization has ensured the safety of Europe and other parts of the world. Dismantling such an institution worries me. Despite many mistakes, I believe the United States and NATO have done extraordinary work that has stood the test of time.”
